Spinner for the hubs of airscrews



Sept. 29, 1942- w. MULLER-KEUTH ETAL 2,297,226

SPINNER FOR THE HUBS OF AIRSCREWS Filed Jan. 26, 1958 5 Sheeizs-Sheet 1 Fig.1

9 E2933 Riya fm erzfar'a p 1942- w. MULLER-KEUTH ET AL 2,297,226

SPINNER FOR THE HUBS OF AIRSCREWS Filed Jan. 26, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 iryjcz Sept. 29, 1942. w. MULLER'KEUTH ET AL 3,297,226

SPINNER FOR THE HUBS OF AIRSCREWS Filed Jan. 26, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Eye fag 9/? F229 erf Sept. 29, 1942- w. MULLER-KEUTH ET AL 2,297,226

SPINNER FOR THE HUBS OF AIRSCREWS Filed Jan. 26, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 RMRQW Sept. 29, 1942. w. MULLERKEUTH ETAL 2,297,226

SPINNER FOR THE HUBS OF AIRSCREWS 5 Sheeis-Sheet 5 Filed Jan 26, 1938 fbz eofons Edie? In P5 Q 6, I

i fforfi ega Patented Sept. 29, 1942 SPINNER FOR. THE B038 01 AIRSCREWS Wilhelm Miiller-Ke'uth and Eugen Engert, Frankfort-on-the-Main,

; vested in the Alien Property Custodian Application January 26, ms, Serial No. 187,048 In Germany May 22, 1937 6 Claims.

This invention relates to spinners for the hubs of airplane propellers and the like. More particularly, it relates to improved means for securing the spinner to the hub of the propeller.

A spinner, as is known in the art, is a fairing or nosing preferably of approximately conical or paraboloidal form, which is fitted coaxially with the propeller boss or hub and revolves with the propeller.

At present it is the practice to mount the spinner on the hub of the propeller by means of front and rear supports. The arrangements now used are such that the spinner is detach'ably secured 'to the rear support at a plurality of points around the axis at or near the free or rearward edge of the spinner, that is, at approximately the maximum diameter thereof. The

\ known arrangements, as described, present certain difficulties, particularly when the spinners have a comparatively large diameter, as it is found to be diflicult to attach and detach them. The rear supporting arrangements used can also influence the weight of the spinner unfavorably. In airplanes this is a factor of some importance.

The present invention seeks to avoid these disadvantages. Its principal object resides in providing means through which spinners of any diameter may be easily attached and detached.

Another object of the invention resides in providing spinners with such means and still keeping down their comparative weight.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide an arrangement which is more accessible for operation and which at the same time actually reduces the weight of the spinner for the same diameter.

The invention has for still another object the provision of an arrangement in which the free or rear edge of the spinner is supported and guided by means of a rear support fixed to the back of the propeller hub, the spinner itself being prevented from turning about its axis by means preferably arranged at the front of the hub.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation partially in longitudinal cross section of a propeller spinner mounted according to one embodiment-of the invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail front view of the attachment means in the arrangement of Fig. 1.

Figs. 3 and 4 are detail front and side views,

respectively, of the locking and releasing key for use in the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation partially in cross section of another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5- is a view similar to Fig. 5 of the structure therein shown partly in section as seen from the top of Fig. 5 looking downwardly.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail front view of part of the attachment means shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is va side elevation partially in section of another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail view of part of the attachment means shown in Fig. 7.

Figs. 9 and 1 0 are enlarged detail views illustrating the two positions of the key shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 11 is a side elevation partly in section showing a further embodiment'of the invention.

Fig. 12 is a detail front view of part of the attachment means shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of an air propeller spinner illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 14 and 15 are sectional views at right angles to each other of part of the spinner showing one manner of preventing rotation of the spinner and for supporting the rear edge thereof.

Figs. 16' and 1'! are detail sectional and plan views of part of a spinner showing an alternate method of guiding the edge of the spinner and preventing rotation thereof; and,

Fig. 18 is a detail sectional view showing an alternative method of guiding and supporting the free edge of the spinner.

Referring now specifically to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the propeller hub I has a. disc 2 secured to the front thereof to constitute a support for the spinner 3. The disc 2 is provided with an annular registering or centering rim 4 which maybe secured to disc 2 in any suitable manner. The centering rim 4 has for its purpose the centering of an annular plate I secured to the inner surface of the spinner 3 within the front part thereof.

The locking or attachment means for the spinner consists of an annular ring 6 which may be channeled in cross section and which is secured to the plate 5 so as to permit a relative limited angular movement between them. To efiect this the plate 5 is provided with screws 1 which pass through arcuate slots 8 in the ring 6 as clearly shown in Fig. 2.

The ring and the keyhole slots I which register with one another.

plate are also provided with The marginal portion of the disc 2 is provided with spaced studs III adapted to pass through the enlarged ends of the keyhole slots and to engage the upper surfaces of the ring 0 when the plate 0 and ring 0 are shifted so that the studs enter the narrow ends of the keyhole slots 3.

It should be evident from the above that the arrangement is such that when the spinner 3 is placed in position on the hub I, the enlarged ends of the keyhole slots in the ring and plate pass over the studs I0. The spinner can be locked in position by giving a rotary movement to the ring 3 relatively to the plate 5 sufficient to bring the narrow portions of the keyhole slots 0 in the ring 6 into engagement with the shaft of the studs I0.

The free or rear edge II of the spinner 3 is supported and guided by the outer flanged edge I2 of a support I3 flxed to the rear side of the hub I.

In order to facilitate the operation of rotating the ring 6 slightly to lock the spinner in position, the invention contemplates the use of a key I4. This key and the manner in which it is used is illustrated in Figs. 2. 3 and 4. The arrangement is such that the spinner cannot be left in unlocked position.

The key I4 is adapted to be inserted through a slot I0 in the spinner 3 and between a pair of stops I3, I]. The key has a forked end He adapted to engage a peg I8 fixed to the ring 3. To prevent the key from being moved laterally, which in the drawing (Fig. 2) would be in a direction at an angle to the plane of the drawing sheet, a guide member I9 is provided which is secured to the ring 6 and through which the peg I3 passes.

By turning the key about one or the other of the two stops I6, I1 as a fulcrum the ring 3 may be moved in one or the other direction to lock or release the spinner 3 to or from the fixed disc or support 2. p

The key I4 also functions as a safety device since it can only be inserted and withdrawn when the ring 3 is in its operative position in which the spinner is securely attached to the hub. For this purpose the key near its inner end is provided with a notch I4b which engages a fixed pin 23 when the locking ring 8 is in inoperative position. The key I4 thus cannot be withdrawn until the locking ring 3 has been shifted to its operative position in which the spinner is securely attached to the hub I. For convenience in handling the key I4 may have a notch MD in each side edge as shown in Fig. 3.

Another embodiment of the invention is that illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. It is similar to that of Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 in that the hub I03 has a disc I02 secured thereto, the disc supporting a registering or centering rim I04. The locking ring I03 has guide slots I03 engaging screws I31 which are in this case flxed to the disc or support I32. The ring I03 has also keyhole slots I33 adapted to engage studs IIO extending from the disc II3. This disc H3 is provided with a marginal flange which is rigidly secured to the spinner I33. The disc is likewise provided with suitable keyhole slots similar to slots I33 for engaging the above-mentioned screws I31 which are secured to, and which extend forwardly from, the disc or support I02.

In this embodiment, however, the locking ring I33 is carried by or formed integrally with a disc I2I and is arranged to be turned to operative and inoperative locking position by means of a rod I22. This rod I22 passes axially through a hole in the front end of the spinner I03 where it is supported in a socket I23 fixed inside the front of the spinner. The rod I22 is prevented from rotation by means of a cross pin I24 sliding in longitudinal slots I2I in the socket I23. The inner end of the rod I22 slidably engages the hub I23 of the disc I2I and is formed with a helical slot I2'I engaging a pin I23 passing transversely through the hub I26.

The arrangement is such that normally the rod I22 is forced inwardly by a spring I29 to hold the disc I2I and hence the locking ring I06 in its operative position to retain secure the spinner I03 to the hub I00. when it is desired to detach the spinner, the rod I22 is pulled outwardly against the pressure of the spring I29. (For convenience a knob handle I30 is provided at the outer end of the rod I22.) The resulting co-action between the helical slot I21 and the pin I28 rotates the disc I2I and the locking ring I08 in a direction and to an extent which brings the enlarged ends of the keyhole slots I03 of the locking ring I06 in register with the studs IIO which are rigid on the disc I02. This releases the spinner which can then be removed.

Therear or free end III of the spinner I03 may be guided by the flanged outer edge II2 of the rear support II3, th inside of the spinner being fitted with a flanged ring I3I.

Another means for operating the locking ring is shown in the embodiment of the invention illustrated by Figs. '7 to 10. In this embodiment the locking ring 203 has keyholes 209 which engage studs 2l0 on a disc support 202 secured to the hub 23I. As in the embodiment of Fig. 1 the plate 230 secured to the spinner 203 also has keyholes through which the studs 2I0 pass.

In this embodiment the ring 203 is preferably integral with a disc 22I having a castellated bore or central opening 243. For locking and releasing the spinner 203 a key 2 is provided which is adapted to be inserted through a central hole 242 in the front of the spinner 203. The inner end of the key 2 is provided with 1118 243 adapted to engage the castellations in the opening 240 of the disc 22I so that by turning the key the disc HI and hence the locking ring 203 is rotated to release the spinner.

The key 2 is provided with lugs 244 at its end, which lugs are staggered around the key with respect to the lugs 243. The lugs 244 are adapted to move behind an extension 243 on the support 202 when the ring 233 is in unlocked position, thereby preventing withdrawal of the key. The key can, therefore, only be withdrawn after tuming it in the reverse direction so as to lock the spinner 233 on the hub 2".

A safety device may also be provided to prevent rotation of the disc 22I and the locking ring 233 from operative position after the key has been removed. This safety device is comprised of a plate 243 slidably mounted on a ring 241 attached to the front disc or support 232. The plates 243 carries pins 243 adapted to engage holes 243 in the disc 22I. The pins 243 are normally held in engagement in the holes in the disc by means of a tensioning element 233 disposed between the plate 243 and the ring 241.

Whenthe key 2 is inserted to unlock the spinner the lugs 243 thereon engage the plate 243 and force it backwards against the pressure of the tension element 233 to disengage the pins 243 fromthe holeainthedisc22l.

The rear or free edge 2 of the spinner 233 isguidedbymeansofaflangedring23| secured totheinsideofsaid edgetoformanannular of the invention, however,

ior locking the spinner at the front side of the spinner I03 hub of the propeller.

For example, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12 the is secured to an externally screwthreaded central boss "I at the front 'of the hub ill by means of a ring nut I which is held to the front disc or supp rt II! by means of the plate 302. The nut ill may be rotated to lock or release the spinner by means of a drift "3. inserted through a slot 3 in the spinner as shown in Fig. 12, and'is adapted .to engage in peripheral recesses 36! in the ring nut "I so that the latter may be rotated.

In this embodiment of the invention the rear or free edge of the spinner is shown as guided in the same manner as in Fig. 'l and as more clearly shown in Figs. 14 and 15.

Another form of central attachment for the spinner is shown in Fig. 13, in which the nose of the spinner 403 is bolted as at 410 to the free end of a central bracket l' li fixed to and projecting forwardly from the front of the propeller. I

Figs. 16 and 17, inclusive, illustrate alternative means for preventing rotation of the spinner and for guiding the free or rear edge thereof. The rear edge til is formed with a series of.openended slots 580 and is centered in the returned marginal edge of the rear support III, the slots 580 engaging pins 58| passing transversely across the groove formed by the returned edge 5!! of the rear support Bil.

Fig. 18 shows another way of centering the spinner, the free edge 6H being flanged and formed with annular corrugations "0 adapted to engage corresponding corrugations "I in the rear support 3. It is also possible with such means to employ pins similar to those number "I in Figs. 16, 17 to prevent rotation of the spinner.

Obviously any of the means described and shown for guiding the rear edge of the spinner and preventing rotation can be employed with any of the means for securing the spinner to the front of the propeller hub. Moreover, various modifications of the structures shown may be varied without departing from the inventive concept.

Having now particularly described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the following claims.

we claim:

1. A spinner for the hub of an airplane propeller or the like, comprising, a body portion, a supporting member fixed to the front of the hub, an annular plate fixed to the inside of the body mounted for relative rotary movement with respect to said plate, and cooperating means on said ring and said plate to lock detachabiy said body portion with respect to said hub when a limited rotary movement is imparted to the locking ring, and means adapted to be inserted or withdrawn from an of preventing rotation.

hub n of the for relative rotary movement with respect to said opening in the body portion plate, and cooperating plate and mounted 6. A spinner for disposed forwardly of said hub for imparting said rotary movement to said locking ring.

2. A spinner for the hub of an airplane propeller or the like. supporting member fixed to the front of the hub, an annular plate fixed'to the inside of the body portion and adapted to register with said support,

a locking ring carried by said plate and mounted for relative rotary movement with respect to said means on said ring and said plate to lock detachably said body portion with respect to said hub when a limited rotary movement is imparted to the locking ring, means adapted for insertion through an opening in the body portion for imparting said rotary movement to said locking ring, and means blocking insertion or withdrawal of said last named means when the locking nut is not in lockin position.

3. Means for detachably securing a spinner to the hub of an airplane propeller or the like, comprising a supporting member fixed to the front of the hub, an annular plate fixed to the inside of the spinner and adapted to register with said support,-a locking ring carried by said plate and mounted for relative rotary movement with respect to said plate, said locking ring having a series of keyhole shaped slots, a corresponding series of elements fixed on said plate for engagement with said slots and having head portions I thereon of suflicient width to engage the upper surfaces of the ring adjacent the edges of the narrower ends of said slots, a loose key adapted to be inserted and withdrawn from an opening in the spinner for rotatably shifting the locking ring to attach or detach the spinner, and means for blocking withdrawal of the key when the spinner is in detachable position.

'4. Means for detachably securing a spinner to the hub of an airplane propeller or the like, comprising a supporting member fixed to the front of the hub, an annular plate fixed to the inside of the spinner and adapted to register with said supporting member, a locking ring carried by said for relative rotary movement withrespect to said plate, said locking ring having a series of keyhole shaped slots, a corresponding series of elements fixed on said plate for engagement with said slots and having head portions thereon of suflicient width to engage the upper surfaces of the ring adjacent the edges of the narrower. ends of said slots, and tension means 'operatively connected to the spinner and locking ring for normally holding the locking ring in operative position to lock the spinner on the hub.

5. A spinner for the hub of an airplane propeller or the like, comprising, a body portion, a supporting member fixed to the front of the hub, an annular plate fixed to the inside oi the body portion and adapted to register with said support, a locking ring carried by said plate and mounted plate, and cooperating means on said ring and said plate to lock detachably said body portion with respect to said hub when a limited rotary movement is imparted to the locking ring, a. loose key adapted to be inserted and withdrawn from an opening in the spinner disposed forwardly of the hub for-rotatably shifting the locking ring to attach or detach the spinner, and a second supporting member fixed to the rear side of the hub and adapted detachably to support the rear edg or said spinner.

the hub of an airplane propeller or the like, comprising, an integral one comprising. a body portion, a

piece nose cap, means disposed within the cap fecting said relative rotary movement to lock or and forwardly of the hub for detachabiy conrelease said portions, and means for guiding the nectin'g said capto said hub, said means comprisrear edge or said nose cap to the rear 01' said ing a portion rigid with the hub and a cooperathub, and last named means comprising a support ing portion rigid with the cap, locking means on 6 fixed to the rear face of said hub, said support said portions adapted to lock or release said porhaving a flange for engaging the rear edge of tions to or from each other uaon relative tom said nose cap. 1 movement of said per one, means pas through an opening in said cap orwardly 01 said W HEIM MULLERrKEU'I'H. hub and operable from outside said cap for efi0 EUGEN E'NGERT. 

